The RedFox

Review of Le Bilboquet Buckhead Atlanta

I have tried to come here via walk-in a couple of ...

I have tried to come here via walk-in a couple of times before and both times I was turned away due to the popularity of the place. You really need reservations to get in, it seems.
A bit of an inconvenience for someone who likes to go on impromptu indulgences but understandable once I managed to get in.

For once, on a wet Tuesday night, I took a friend and walked right in. I'll note here that we were not turned away due to our attire, or lack thereof. I was probably closer dressed for the occasion (simple shirt and slacks) but my friend merely wore a faded t-shirt and sweats.

I'm very impressed that the hostess did not turn us away in spite of what other patrons were wearing; for that they have earned themselves a return visit.

Exterior is modern just subtly hinting on contemporary. They do try to go for that classic bistro feel with the white table cloths, adorned with a flower and little wooden seats with a patio design.

Interior is quaint and impressively rustic. Wooden veneer cabinets and cloth drapes on the expansive windows. It was simple and spoke like a true bistro. Nothing too fanciful or outlandish . . . though the music was a tad bit questionable.

Food! I quite enjoyed my slight charred octopus with garbanzo beans. It wasn't quite what I expected at a French restaurant/bistro but very interesting indeed. Though it was a tad bit more chewy than is normal for my liking. Flavor-wise? Interesting and acceptable.

My friend ordered the foie gras. He knows a great deal more about French cuisine than I (I'm more partial to Italian), so naturally I had to bring him here. How to describe the foie gras? It was a creamy meadow of fatty, nutty richness melting in your mouth with just a hint of fruits. Though, I suspect that was from the fruit preserve that came with it. Might have been cranberry; my memory fails me.

For the main course, he had the veal scallopini while I the branzino.
Veal was good, naturally, with the reduced sauce (not sure if it was marsala). A classic Italian dish yet served at a French bistro? Interesting.

Branzino had a nice thin crispy skin which subtly caressed the flaky white underneath. It was served on a circular bed of wild rice (pilaf?). Nothing else needs to be said. Was excellent.

Restroom was typical of these kinds of places. Nothing new here. But the cologned? hand-soap was a nice touch. Didn't expect that. Very nice.

Service was a tad bit . . . expected. It seemed that the server turned his nose up at my friend due to his lack of attire. They seemed throw the dishes unceremoniously onto our table before scurrying away to get as far away from my friend as fast as possible.

I'll overlook this as we got a table but if anyone at the restaurant chooses to read this just know that sometimes the people who return again and again aren't the best dressed or loudest in the room. The people who return just want to just have a good meal and not have to dress up to impress. We like to dine without reservations (if it can be helped) or expectations. We like to talk softly and eat our luxury in peace.

And who knows, maybe we might even leave a review if the food and experience warrants it.

Just some food for thought.

I will be back, most likely with reservations so as to not have to worry about seating next time.

Will I be dressed sharply?
No promises.

But I promise the restaurant this . . . that hostess does deserve a tip the next time I come. And hey, she even speaks fluent French.